Former Attorney General Kelly Ayotte and Ovide Lamontagne remained locked in a tight battle in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate on Wednesday morning.

Ayotte had been considered the front-runner for most of the race, but Lamontagne had been surging in recent polls.

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With 264 of 301 precincts reporting, Ayotte had 46,863 votes. Lamontagne was second with 45,777 votes.

See Tuesday's Primary Coverage

Both candidates urged their supporters to wait for more numbers to come in before determining who won Tuesday night.

Pindell Breaks Down Senate Race

"It's amazing," Lamontagne said. "We've led all night, and there's no reason to believe we won't end the night leading."

Ayotte looked calm as she turned in her ballot at the Charlotte Avenue School in Nashua on Tuesday morning. She waved off concerns about the poll numbers.

"The only poll that matters is the one today, so that's what we've been focused on," she said. "We have a strong grassroots campaign. There are so many activists that are supporting us here in our state."

Lamontagne greeted voters in Nashua at the Main Dunstable Elementary School after he voted in his home ward in Manchester and launched a 100-mile tour of the state's southern region.

"I can beat (Democratic candidate) Paul Hodes," he said. "I'll be able to take it to him from day one and make voters understand there's a sharp contrast, there's a real choice in this election cycle."

Lamontagne is no stranger to the late comeback. He did it in 1996 when he won the GOP gubernatorial primary over the favorite in that race.

Candidate Bill Binnie conceded the race Tuesday night, saying he would continue to fight to determine the direction of the Republican Party. He had been criticized by some during the race as being too liberal on social issues.

Binnie Concedes

"I want to also say that my message of economic opportunity and living the American dream, that that is important," Binnie said. "And that social tolerance and social moderation in my party is critical."

Binnie said he would work for a "bigger tent and an inclusive party."

Candidate Jim Bender started his day by casting his ballot in Hollis, where he was joined by his wife, Sue, and his two daughters, Jackie and Lauren.

In his concession seat, Bender urged his voters to support the eventual Republican nominee.

"We have a lot to be grateful for," he said. "What we mostly have to do now is rally behind our party's candidate and defeat Paul Hodes."

Candidate Dennis Lamare spent his day in Claremont meeting with voters from across the area.